The Band of His Majesty's Scots Guards

Radio Record, Volume VII, Issue 14, 13 October 1933, Page 11

The Band of His Majesty's

Scots Guards

Nearly three centuries have gone by since the Scots Guards Regiment was founded. Its exact origin is uncertain, there being no definite information on the point since the regimental papers were unfortunately destroyed by jire in 1841. One thing, however, is certain, the valour and discipline of the Scots Guards has been common knowledge ever since they were established. The first of the ten successive bandmasters of whom we have definite. knowledge was a clarinettist named John _ Mahon, who was born in 1755. Another equally brilliant clarinettist, Edward Hopkins (in fact one of the world’s best) was next appointed bandmaster in 1797; he was in charge of the band in 1815, when the Bri‘gade of Guards had their bands in Paris. In 1838, he was succeeded by William Hardy, a one-time famous cornopean player. In 1842, Mr. Hardy retired, and Carl Boose succeeded. A cultured musician, a military band reformer and a thorough master of all branches of his art, Boose proved --@ tower of-strength ‘to the Scots Guards. On his transfer to control the Royal Horse Guards (Blues) Band in 1859, Charles Godfrey, third son of an even more famous Charles Godfrey, was appointed. At the age of 19 he was the youngest bandmaster in the whole service. By a strange coincidence he transferred to "The Blues" in 1869, again following his predecessor, Carl Boose. A’ Dutch musician, J. 0. Van Maanen suc- : ceeded, but siv years later (in 1875) he exchanged posts with J. P. Clarke, of the Dublin Royal Irish Constabulary Band, In 1887 Olarke retired on account of ill-health and Hdward Holland was appointed. On his retirement in 1893 Henry Dunkerton reigned for three years. Lieut. F. W. Wood succeeded and under him the band has never looked back. There are in the band no less than 66 able musicians, out of whom a symphony orchestra of 46 performers is available. During the Great War the band performed its tour of service with the Guards at Ypres, the Somme and at Cologne. The band toured Canada in 1912 and 1922 with great success. This band is certainly one of the leading ones in the whole British Empire. ‘ .